Greetings Science Educators!
(1) Science Assessment Update:
I have received numerous calls regarding the science assessments taken in the spring of 2012 that were aligned for the first time to the PASS 2011 science standards. I know several of you are feeling discouraged by the proficiency rates of the exams this year. The first bit of encouragement I’d like to share with you is please do not allow the increased proficiency expectation reflected in this year’s cut scores to cause you to question yourself. If anything, the results of this year’s tests, aligned to increased proficiency expectations, may cause you to question what shifts might be needed for classroom instruction. With that question looming for most science teachers, I’d like to try to provide opportunities for us to examine strategies that might better inform instructional practices.
(2) OKSci Virtual PLN October 23rd: Science and Assessment and Instructional Strategies
With the success of the first OKSci Virtual Meeting in August, it seems like a wonderful platform for us to discuss such strategies. Join me and other Oklahoma science educators on October 23rd during your plan period to share strategies and gain insights into the increased proficiency expectation of the Oklahoma science assessments.
Many of the strategies that will be shared have come from conversations with science educators in our state this month. During the meeting we will discuss: a simple approach to analyzing data to inform instruction, a process to analyze the Item Specification documents to inform instruction, and an opportunity to analyze any shifts in blueprints.
I hope many of you are able to join in one of the session on October 23rd. To participate, you will need access to a telephone and access to Google Docs. Test your access by clicking here. If you don’t have access, contact your network administrator.
Sign-up for one of the 45 minute sessions at: http://okscivirtualmeeting.eventbrite.com/
Upon registration you will be sent a link to the meeting document and the conference call phone number. If for some reason the timeslots outlined do not work with your schedule, please contact me, as we might be able to set up additional timeslots.
I personally want to thank each and every one of you who called, e-mailed or have taken the time in person to meet with me. Without your willingness to share your stories, struggles, and strategies for moving forward, the efforts outlined above would not be possible.
(3) Science Assessment FAQ and Resources
Science Assessment FAQ:
- Science Assessments will continue to be aligned to the PASS 2011 in 2013-2014 & 2014-2015.
- 2015-2016 we hope to have assessments aligned to the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science which are currently under revision.
- Science Assessments will continue to be given for grades/subjects 5, 8, and Biology 1.
- Science Assessments will continue to be multiple choice.
- Students might have a question on their English exam in 2014-2015 that requires them to respond to an informational text about science. The literacy assessed on the English exam in 2014-2015 will only assess students’ literacy skills associated with informational text in science. The students will not be assessed on science content on the English exams.
I know many of you have questions about the process for science assessment standards setting. If you would like to know more about the process or if you are interested in being considered for future committees who conduct this work, please contact our Science Assessment Coordinator, Craig Walker at Craig.Walker@sde.ok.gov
Science Assessment Paper Resources:
I have been working with our science assessment coordinator, Craig Walker, to obtain information and resources that might better assist teachers with preparation for the assessments this school year.
The following documents have been revised or created through collaboration with educator committees and may be found here: http://ok.gov/sde/documents/2013-09-05/blue-prints-plds-item-specs
- Test & Item Specifications (5th, 8th, Biology EOI)
These documents provide educators with information concerning test structure, test blueprint, Depth of Knowledge, Universal Design, item emphasis, assessment limits, example items for each standard, and distractor domains.
- 5th/8th Grade Performance Checklists (5th & 8th)
Performance checklists were developed by educators on the standard setting committee and were used to guide the committee on describing what student performance looks like at the “Just Advanced”, “Just Proficient”, or “Just Limited Knowledge” levels.
- Released Item Booklet & Answer Key (Biology EOI)
This revised document provides educators with item examples that have been retired or removed for not making psychometric standards.
(4) Science Standards Update:
The writing team for the revision of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science has been working diligently to prepare a working draft of the science standards for review. The writing team would like to ensure that there are a variety of opportunities for stakeholder feedback throughout the revision process. With that in mind, I along with members of the writing team will be hosting several focus group meetings in October and November to showcase the draft version of the standards and to obtain feedback. The feedback received from the focus groups will be considered by the writing team prior to the public draft of the revised science standards that are expected out in late fall.
Focus groups for educators will be facilitated through the Regional Meetings being offered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. If you are interested in being part of the educator feedback loop, please make plans to attend one of the regional meetings.
Below you will find an overview of the schedule for the revision of the science standards.
Timeline for the Revision of Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science 2013-2014
The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science are being revised in 2013-2014. Committees comprised of K-12 science educators, professors of science education from Oklahoma universities, scientists, engineers, informal science educators, parents and community members.
- The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science Committees will meet from spring through fall of 2013 to revise the K-12 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science.
- Focus groups will be facilitated in October and November of 2013 to provide opportunities for diverse groups of stakeholders to provide feedback on the initial draft of the Oklahoma Academic Standards.
- A public draft of the revised standards will be available for public comment for 30 days in late 2013.
- Soon after the public draft period the revised Oklahoma Academic Science Standards will be available for the Oklahoma State Board of Education to consider for adoption.
- Upon adoption of the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science, schools will have access to the revised standards to become acquainted with the shifts and begin thinking about implementation.
- However, assessments for the newly adopted standards are not expected to be operational in schools until 2015-2016.
(5) Professional Development Opportunities:
1. 2014-2015 Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching (DA) Program
By conducting educational research abroad, U.S. teachers gain new skills, learn new instructional methods and assessment methodologies and share best practices with international colleagues and students. Teachers also have the opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures and international education systems that will enrich their U.S. schools and local communities with global perspectives.
Teachers may travel to: Chile, Finland, India, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
- Application Deadline: December 15, 2013
- Online Application for K-12 teachers! https://dafulbrightteachers.org/
- Application Info: http://www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org/application-tp2 .
2. Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program now accepting applications for the 2014-15 fellowship year:
- The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the 2014-15 fellowship year. The Einstein Fellowship seeks experienced and distinguished K 12 educators in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to serve an 11-month fellowship appointment in a Federal agency or U.S. Congressional office. Applications are due December 4, 2013 and must be submitted through the online application system. Full article
3. More! Rock in Your Head Workshop:
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 (limited to the first 45 register)
Time: 8:30-3:30
Location: Chesapeake Energy Corporation, 6100 N. Western, OKC, OK 73118
Cost: Free!!! Lunch and snack are included!
Sponsored By: Oklahoma Geological Foundation, Chesapeake Energy, Oklahoma Geological Survey, and the Oklahoma Energy Resource Board.
See attached More Rocks in Your Head Professional Development for details and registration.
(6) Opportunities for Students:
1. 2014 Oklahoma Arbor Week Poster Contest
Deadline, November 20th, 2013
Find out more at: http://www.forestry.ok.gov/arbor-week
(7) Stay Connected
Follow me on Twitter: @tiffanyneill Facebook: #OKSci Hashtags: #oksde #OKSci #OKSTEM Sign Up for a Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ OKSci Recources: Classroom Strategies: http://www.scoop.it/t/oksci-classroom-strategies Website Resources Elementary: http://bit.ly/OSDE-SciElemLinks Website Resources Secondary: http://bit.ly/OSDE-SecScienceLinks Accessing Archived Science Messages: You can access Archived Science Messages I’ve sent out since March via the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) website. Scroll down to see previous posts. Science Listserv: Please encourage others to register for the science listserv and pass along the following registration link: Register for Science Listserv As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! -Tiffany